AFTER months of anticipation, the Worcester Stands Tall giraffes have been released from captivity and are roaming around the city for everyone to see.

Today sees the launch of the giraffe sculpture art trail, with the eye-catching creatures in the city until Sunday, September 16.

The project, which is raising funds for the St Richard’s Hospice's Build 2020 appeal, has seen 30 giraffes standing 8ft tall located around Worcester.

They have been painted by artists from the county and beyond, and sponsored by businesses in the city including the Worcester News.

Wild in Art, the company behind trails such as the The Big Sleuth in Birmingham, have organised the giraffe extravaganza with St Richard's.

John Bawden, chairman of governors at St Richard’s, said: “We are tremendously excited to bring these fantastic giraffes to our city and can’t wait to see everyone enjoying the trail this summer.

“We hope our event will not only inspire civic pride but also give people a great excuse to get out and get active, exploring the city while helping raise money for our Build 2020 appeal.”

A total of 57 individually designed and painted giraffe sculptures are on show through the city’s streets and open spaces, forming a trail approximately six miles in length.

Alongside the 30 mega giraffes, there are 26 smaller calf sculptures which have been decorated by schools and community groups, and are on display in the city’s Crowngate Shopping Centre.

While a rose gold calf is on display by the main entrance to Worcester Cathedral.

Charlie Langhorne, a director of Wild in Art, said: “Worcester Stands Tall celebrates the city’s people and places, and together with St Richard’s Hospice we’re proud to have helped bring businesses, artists, schools and communities together through the power of creativity."

There are trail maps available from points around the city including the tourist information centre. An app is available from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store to help guide people.

The Worcester News is giving readers the chance to claim a mystery prize – with the first person to send us a selfie of them with all 30 of the 8ft giraffes the winner. Post your selfies on Twitter with #WorcStandsTall.